Monsoon remains active over Central India, but distribution skewed, say meteorologists

A low-pressure area is expected to bring more rain to western and central India over the next five days. This July, monsoon rainfall recorded a 12.2% excess, with a 3% excess since June. However, the rainfall distribution remains uneven, with heavy rains concentrated in central and peninsular India. Central India saw a 34% excess, Peninsular India 35.9%, while east and northeast India experienced a 17.9% deficiency, and northwest India a 7.9% deficiency. Maharashtra and Gujarat faced flooding rains, and more rain is predicted for central and west India in the coming days.

Uneven rain distribution across India

The cumulative monsoon rainfall since June 1 shows significant deficiencies in states like Haryana (39%), Punjab (44%), Himachal Pradesh (38%), Jammu and Kashmir (36%), Jharkhand (42%), Bihar (38%), West Bengal (11%), and Manipur (49%). The current low-pressure system moving west will bring more rain to western and central India but may not significantly impact the east and northeast. This system, along with previous cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal, has left northern regions dry while southern regions received ample rainfall.

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IMD's weather advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts extremely heavy rainfall over west Madhya Pradesh on July 27 and Gujarat on July 28. Heavy rainfall is also expected in the Ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka. An offshore trough from South Gujarat to north Karnataka is contributing to this weather pattern. Farmers are advised to drain excess water from crop fields and delay transplanting rice and vegetable seedlings in affected areas. The IMD forecasts active monsoon troughs and widespread rainfall across most parts of India from August 1 to 7, with above-normal rainfall expected in central India and normal to above-normal rainfall in other regions.

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